Jim Graven has been named as Director of Membership for the SEMA Data
Co-op. Graven, who has more than 15 years of experience in the specialty parts
aftermarket, will play a key role in growing the industry-owned and operated
data management solution - particularly as it transitions into a full system launch
in January.

Part 1: Attending Consumer Events
Whether yours is a young manufacturing company, retail store or repair shop, you know that a good marketing plan is vital to the growth of your business. In this series of articles, we will address the ins and outs of marketing, beginning this time with the importance of attending consumer events.
Consumer events put you in front of potentially thousands of new customers where you can hear firsthand what people think of your products or services. Feedback can help you improve existing products or give you ideas for new ones, and walking an event can open your eyes to developing trends.

Recognizing the top trend-setting vehicle models, the SEMA Awards
will be announced and presented to winning automakers during the 2012 SEMA Show
in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through the program, SEMA exhibitors that make products
for those trend-setting vehicles will identify the vehicle platforms that they
believe are best for accessorizing, and best for showcasing the industry's
coolest products.